Master Gardener Class Beginning September 16

Cerro Gordo County Extension and Outreach is offering a gardening class again this fall beginning on September 16! If you have an active interest in growing flowers, vegetables, fruits, shrubs, trees and lawns, then the Iowa State University Extension Master Gardener Program is for you! Whether you are a long-term veteran of gardening or a novice, you are welcome to join us.

Master Gardener trainees attend 40 hours of classes taught by Iowa State University Extension staff and specialists in topics ranging from lawn care, flower and vegetable gardening, ornamental trees and shrubs, fruit crops, and houseplants to insect, disease, and weed control, soil and plant nutrition, and pesticide safety. Since 1979, the Iowa Master Gardener program has trained over 9000 people.

In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer 40 hours of service to their local extension program. Master Gardeners may choose to staff plant clinics or displays, speak to local groups, teach youths, provide horticulture therapy activities for the elderly, and supervise or judge county fair horticulture activities as judges or project coordinators.

The program will be held beginning on Tuesday evenings, September 16 thru November 4 with three Thursday evenings held for local speakers and topics. The classes will be held at 2023 S. Federal Ave., Mason City, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. There will be two options to attend a Saturday workshop on the ISU campus. The registration fee is $195 for over 40 hours of horticultural instruction from ISU Horticulture Professors. Please register by September 5 to avoid a $25 late fee.

To sign up for the Master Gardener class, call Cerro Gordo County Extension at 641-423-0844 and ask for Becky or JoAnn or email xcerrogordo@iastate.edu.